Vatican appeal not to forget the churches and Christians of the Holy Land
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Do not forget the Holy Land and the Christians living there. This is the appeal from the Congregation for Eastern Churches in their appeal to all Catholics, in view of the collection which is organized every year at Good Friday.
The new plumbing system of the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth (pictured) for the waterproofing and moisture protection of the grotto, the start of the restoration of the mosaics on the ceiling of the Basilica of Gethsemane in Jerusalem, the design for the expansion of the parish church of St. Catherine and Sanctuary in Bethlehem, conservation work on the archaeological and restoration of mosaics in Capernaum. These are just some of the works done by the Custody of the Holy Land thanks to the 2011-2012 collection. They aim to keep the liturgy alive in these places of worship, assisting pilgrims and intensifying the apostolic works to support Christian communities.
The Custody report also highlights accomplishments such as the complete refurbishment of the Convent of the Cenacle, with the doubling of its capacity for the reception of pilgrims for the celebration of the Eucharist and the financing of 420 university scholarships for a period of four years, distributed in different universities: Bethlehem, Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Haifa, Bir Zeit, Amman and others and a project to support 10 small local business each year in buying tools and materials, production equipment, advertising and security activities. "In addition to the works carried out and already planned in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, particular attention has been given to the Christians of Lebanon and Syria, who are currently living through a fragile situation and need constant material support."
"The Gospel message - writes Card. Leonardo Sandri, prefect of
Congregation, in his letter calling for support for this year's collection - of compassion illumines the need for
the Good Friday Collection in support of our brothers and sisters in the places
of Redemption. Together with their pastors, they live the mystery of Christ,
Crucified and Risen for the salvation of mankind. On account of its ecclesial
dimension, this ancient duty is an ever gratifying opportunity. As Easter
approaches, it is all the more appropriate as an expression of the faith that
the Church, under the guidance of Pope Benedict XVI, is intensely living, on
the 50th
anniversary of the
Second Vatican Ecumenical Council".
"With
grateful wonder - continues the message to all Catholic bishops - we recognize how much the generous
concern of Catholics around the world has already accomplished. This assistance
maintains the Holy Sites, as well as the communities that dwell there. Together
with institutes of men and women religious, the funds collected provide
immediate relief to the catastrophic consequences of war and other emergencies.
Through a qualified network of pastoral, educational and health care
specialists, these resources come to the aid of families, often saving lives
that have been rejected: the old, the sick, and the disabled. In addition, aid
is provided to those without work and to youth in search of a brighter future.
In every case, the collection seeks to build up human rights, especially the
right to religious liberty. To this one must add the praiseworthy ecumenical
and inter-religious effort, which requires stemming the incessant exodus of
Christian faithful from their motherland and the accompaniment of the
displaced and the refugee. Taken as a whole, this constitutes the "Christian
characteristic", which makes the region, beyond all of its suffering, a Place where God is
glorified, because humanity is blessed".
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